MEET SHAIFUL!

Salvatore Ferragamo Debuts A Man's Story

They say
the world is our stage and we are all but actors.As actors, each of us
certainly has a story to tell and those stories could be about anything – life,
work, happiness, sadness, events that changed our lives and so on. Just like
the life of Signor Salvatore Ferragamo himself.

At the age
of 16, Ferragamo left the sunny landscape of the Southern Italy and bought a
one-way ticket to Boston, United States where one of his brothers was working
in a boot-making factory. The year was 1914 and one could imagine how Signor
Ferragamo felt as the steamer ship he boarded from Italy finally made its way
into the New York harbour, passing by the iconic Lady Liberty whose welcoming
gesture often ignite the fiery passion for those who are seeking to start anew
in the land where every dream could come true.

While
Ferragamo’s own vision and sensibility as a craftsman were at odds with the US
industrialised setting at the time, he followed his path by convincing his
brother to follow him and move to the sunny California and set up a
made-to-measure shoemaking service.

Albeit it was a big gamble, thanks to his
own set of beliefs and rules, Ferragamo’s attempt spelled success. Within a
span of five years, Hollywood stars made beelines to have their shoes made by
this extraordinary shoemaker.Even the late Argentinian First Lady Eva Peron
had her shoes crafted by Ferragamo himself, using materials that were as exotic
as her homeland Argentina.This year, to
celebrate the inspiring milestone in the brand’s history and the man behind it,
Salvatore Ferragamo has collaborated with renowned photographer and filmmaker
Francesco Carozzini to create a unique yet seminal online project called A Man’s Story.

An online
project that highlights the notion of ‘making your own rules’ with creative
direction provided by the brand’s creative director Massimiliano Giornetti, A
Man’s Story projects an intimate yet compelling series of stories told by an eclectic
cast of contemporary men in the company of Salvatore Ferragamo’s luxury
lifestyle collection, all presented in both new and surprising setting.“For a man
to have a vision and the courage of his convictions is both noble and timeless,
as relevant today as it was a century
ago when Salvatore Ferragamo went out on a limb to launch his shoe-making business,” recounts Creative Director,
Massimiliano Giornetti. “Had he not have taken that risk, this brand that
continues to grow and attract new generations may never have existed.”

Telling
their stories in unique point of views, actor Douglas Booth, artist A$AP Rocky,
New York Rangers ice hockey legend Henrik Lunqvist, artist and photographer
Ryan McGinley, Alexander Gilkes of the online auction house Paddel8, artist and
entrepreneur Louis-Marie de Castelbajac and art consultant Tyrone Wood reveals
a decision that led them to become the men they are today.

Stories aside, the
online project also display a new meaning on the versatility of Salvatore
Ferragamo’s SS15 menswear collection.

“From
A$AP Rocky to Ryan McGinley what links these young men is their single-minded
approach to life. They’ve not been afraid to make their own rules, even when
it’s meant potential failure,” says photographer Francesco Carrozzini. “That’s
what makes them so inspiring, and the stories they’ve shared with us so
compelling.”

A Man’s Story
will be available to view on ManStory.Ferragamo.com and across all the brand’s
digital channels via #ManStory starting December 1st.

EDITOR'S LOVE LETTER

One month from now, Christmas will be upon us, followed by New Year. Again, shopping malls and stores are literally screaming, “’Tis the season to go shopping!”

If in the previous years, our choices were limited to four collections – spring/summer, pre-fall, fall/winter and cruise - per year, the recent years have seen quite a surprising change. Spring has been separated from summer into a distinctive collection and same goes to winter – on its own. Overall, there are FIVE collections in a year! Does this mean yay or nay?

To the retailers, it is a certain 'yay' because it will lead to greater profit generation. To fashionistas who are always hungry for new clothes, it also means a huge ‘yay’ as they can keep on hunting for what’s new every day of the week. But what about fashionistas who are into fashion but lag behind when it comes to the finance part? A really tough situation, I suppose.

In this kind of situation, most fashionistas are torn between ready-to-wear and the accessories. To the accessories camp, accessories are worth investing in as they are not prone to seasons.

Take Birkin for instance. Regardless of what year or season, a black alligator hide 50cm Birkin in glossy finish is always relevant and goes well with anything, even in the next thousand years to come. So is Céline Luggage bag by Phoebe Philo that not only practical but also stands the test of time. Safe-keep them well and they can be the best heirlooms any girl could ask for.

While ready-to-wear is never a man’s problem, since menswear silhouettes and looks remain much the same season after season, the problem is more obvious with women.

Being season prone, many smart shoppers opt to stick with iconic or permanent pieces. Not only they are forever relevant but most importantly, they often last for a lifetime! Yet, there is a downside to it, if you were cash-strapped: They cost more than seasonal pieces. Furthermore, do not expect them to be seen on the sale rack once the season ends.

Speaking of permanent pieces, one of my favourite permanent or iconic looks that can be worn from day to night is the wrap dress by Diane von Furstenberg. Simple yet sexy, practical yet chic, the wrap dress has stood the test of time since it was first produced in the 1970s.

Furthermore, its appeal also lies in one fact every chic woman embrace: A wrap dress does not bring out the je ne sais quoi of a French woman or the cosmopolitan elegance of a New Yorker in you. Instead, it enhances your femininity, regardless of your age, your race, or your social background. Just as true as its creator once said, “Feel like a woman, wear a dress.”

So, no matter what your choice is, always remember that comfort is the main key to happiness and satisfaction. After all, having to walk and pose in pain for that bandage dress can be a waste of time, dear!

From me and Fashion Heaven Rants, wishing you a very chic Merry Christmas ahead!

Beaucoup d’Amour

Shaiful

WHO WEAR WHAT?

Sharon Stone seen with Mademoiselle Longchamp bag at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)